Is this heater safe to use indoors?

Only in well-ventilated spaces such as a garage or workshop with a window or door cracked open. It produces combustion exhaust, so it is not for bedrooms, living rooms or any sealed room.

What fuel does it take?

Kerosene, ideally 1-K grade. Diesel or kerosene blends can work in some units but cause more odor and soot, so check the manual before using anything other than clean kerosene.

How large a space can it heat?

At 175,000 BTU it suits large open areas like a multi-bay garage, warehouse or job site. Insulation, ceiling height and outdoor temperature all change the real coverage.

Does the thermostat work automatically?

Yes. Set the dial and the burner cycles on and off to hold that temperature, which saves fuel compared with running continuously.

Loud. The forced-air fan and burner produce a steady roar, so it is better suited to workshops and sites than to spaces where people talk or work quietly nearby.

What maintenance does it need?

Keep the fuel clean, replace or clean the filter and nozzle as the manual says, and store it dry. Neglect leads to soot, odor and weak heat.

Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater

Best price now

$380.98at Lowe'sChecked 19 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Lowe's

Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater

Best price now

$380.98at Lowe'sChecked 19 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Lowe's

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $380.98 at Lowe's on Nov 10.

Our take on the Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater

The Mecale 175000 BTU is a portable kerosene forced-air heater built for large, unheated spaces such as warehouses, workshops, garages and construction sites. It burns kerosene in a combustion chamber and blows the hot air out with a fan, and a thermostat cycles the burner to hold a set temperature. At 175,000 BTU it sits in the middle of the kerosene torpedo class, below the 200,000-plus BTU units and well above small 50,000 to 80,000 BTU models. Owners of this class value the fast, powerful heat and simple setup; the trade-offs are fuel smell, noise and the need for ventilation.

Best forHeating a large garage, workshop or warehouseConstruction and job sites in cold weatherBackup heat during a power outageSpot heating a big open space quickly

Pros

High 175,000 BTU output heats large open areas fast
Thermostat cycles the burner to hold temperature
Forced-air fan pushes heat across the room
Portable and simple to set up and move
Runs on kerosene, widely available as 1-K fuel

Cons

Kerosene exhaust means it needs ventilation and is not for sealed living spaces
Noticeably loud fan and burner
Fuel use is heavy at full output, so tanks empty quickly
Odor and soot if the wick or nozzle is not maintained
No cooling-down or safety shutoff features beyond the thermostat on many units of this type

Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater prices at every store

Lowe'sNew
In stock
$380.98Checked 19 h ago
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Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater price history

Lowest price we've seen: $380.98 on Nov 10 at Lowe's. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of kerosene torpedo heaters in this size class praise the fast, strong heat and the thermostat control, and many use them to keep garages and shops workable in winter. Common complaints are the noise, the kerosene smell and the fuel burn at high settings.

What people mention

Heat outputPraisedOwners say it warms a large garage or shop fast even in deep cold.
NoiseCriticisedThe fan and burner are loud enough that users wear hearing protection or place it away from work areas.
OdorCriticisedKerosene smell is noticeable, especially at startup and shutdown, and ventilation is required.
Fuel useMixedUsers like the power but note the tank drains quickly at high settings.
ThermostatPraisedThe thermostat lets it cycle on and off instead of running flat out.
SetupPraisedAssembly and fueling are simple, and the unit rolls or carries easily.

Specifications

Fuel Type: Kerosene
With Thermostat: Yes
Forced Air: Yes
Heat Source: Combustion
Finish: Stainless Steel
Portable: Yes
Heating Capacity: 175,000 BTU

Questions and answers

Is this heater safe to use indoors?: Only in well-ventilated spaces such as a garage or workshop with a window or door cracked open. It produces combustion exhaust, so it is not for bedrooms, living rooms or any sealed room.
What fuel does it take?: Kerosene, ideally 1-K grade. Diesel or kerosene blends can work in some units but cause more odor and soot, so check the manual before using anything other than clean kerosene.
How large a space can it heat?: At 175,000 BTU it suits large open areas like a multi-bay garage, warehouse or job site. Insulation, ceiling height and outdoor temperature all change the real coverage.
Does the thermostat work automatically?: Yes. Set the dial and the burner cycles on and off to hold that temperature, which saves fuel compared with running continuously.
How loud is it?: Loud. The forced-air fan and burner produce a steady roar, so it is better suited to workshops and sites than to spaces where people talk or work quietly nearby.
What maintenance does it need?: Keep the fuel clean, replace or clean the filter and nozzle as the manual says, and store it dry. Neglect leads to soot, odor and weak heat.
Where is the Mecale 175000 BTU Portable Kerosene Forced Air Heater cheapest?: At Lowe's, for $380.98, as of our latest check.